NFL Thursday Injury News — September 17, 2026
Several prominent offensive players remained sidelined Thursday as NFL teams continued preparing for Week 2. Nico Collins, Ladd McConkey, Zay Flowers, Tua Tagovailoa and Brock Bowers are among the most important situations heading into Friday’s final practice reports.
ATLANTA FALCONS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Tua Tagovailoa missed his second consecutive practice with an oblique injury. Michael Penix Jr. and Cooper Rush were full participants. Starting guard Chris Lindstrom remained limited while in concussion protocol.
BETTING IMPACT
Atlanta’s quarterback uncertainty affects its offensive projection against Carolina. Lindstrom’s availability also matters for both pass protection and the running game.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Zay Flowers missed his second consecutive practice with a hamstring injury. Starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley and guard John Simpson also remained out. Baltimore worked out veteran receiver Brandin Cooks but has not announced a signing.
BETTING IMPACT
Flowers’ absence would remove Baltimore’s top explosive receiving threat. The offensive-line injuries also deserve attention because multiple absences could affect Lamar Jackson’s protection and the Ravens’ ability to control the game against New Orleans.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Joe Burrow was limited for the second consecutive day with back tightness, although he increased his throwing work and continues to expect to play against Houston.
BETTING IMPACT
Burrow currently appears more likely to play than sit. There is no reason for a major adjustment unless he is downgraded Friday or receives a concerning final designation.
DENVER BRONCOS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Marvin Mims Jr. did not practice because of a foot injury. Running back RJ Harvey improved from a non-participant Wednesday to limited Thursday with a hamstring injury.
BETTING IMPACT
Mims’ availability affects Denver’s downfield passing game and return units. Harvey’s improvement is encouraging, but his receiving and rushing props remain risky until his final status and expected workload are established.
HOUSTON TEXANS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Nico Collins did not practice after injuring his hamstring during Wednesday’s session. The injury reportedly is not considered serious, but his availability against Cincinnati is in doubt.
BETTING IMPACT
Collins is Houston’s most important offensive injury. His absence would lower the Texans’ passing-game ceiling and create additional opportunities for Kayshon Boutte, Jaylin Noel and Dalton Schultz. Their exact replacement roles have not been confirmed.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Alec Pierce was downgraded from full participation Wednesday to a Thursday absence because of a heel injury. Ashton Dulin and running back DJ Giddens also missed practice.
BETTING IMPACT
Pierce had been expected to receive a larger role, making the downgrade especially important. His absence would remove a primary downfield option and redistribute targets within the Indianapolis passing game.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Brock Bowers recorded his second consecutive DNP while recovering from knee surgery.
BETTING IMPACT
Bowers is trending toward missing another game unless he makes significant progress Friday. Michael Mayer would remain the primary replacement and could receive another expanded role against the Chargers.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Ladd McConkey missed his second consecutive practice with a rib injury and is reportedly unlikely to play Sunday. Starting offensive lineman Trey Pipkins III and defensive back Elijah Molden also remained sidelined.
BETTING IMPACT
McConkey’s expected absence would significantly change the Chargers’ target distribution. His receiving props should remain off the board until his status is official and the replacement rotation becomes clearer.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Myles Garrett was placed on injured reserve following knee surgery and will miss at least four games. Aaron Donald practiced fully, but the Rams have not decided whether he will be active Monday against the Giants.
BETTING IMPACT
Garrett’s absence is a major downgrade to the Rams’ pass rush. Donald’s return would help offset some of that loss, but his game status and potential workload remain unresolved.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Kyler Murray remained limited while in concussion protocol. Starting right tackle Brian O’Neill was downgraded to a non-participant because of a knee injury.
BETTING IMPACT
Murray still must clear the concussion protocol before playing. O’Neill’s downgrade is also significant because his absence would weaken Minnesota’s pass protection regardless of who starts at quarterback.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Chris Olave was added to the injury report as a limited participant with a hamstring issue. Chase Young was also newly limited because of a calf injury.
BETTING IMPACT
The early indication is that New Orleans was being cautious with Olave, but any late-week hamstring injury involving a top receiver requires monitoring. His Friday participation will determine whether a meaningful adjustment is necessary.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Jalen Carter returned as a limited participant with a wrist injury and said he expects to play. Safety Andrew Mukuba was added to the report as a non-participant because of a knee injury. Cooper DeJean and Jonathan Greenard were limited.
BETTING IMPACT
Carter appears likely to play, but the condition of his wrist could affect his effectiveness. Mukuba’s new absence is the more concerning late-week development for Philadelphia’s secondary.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Joey Porter Jr. left practice with a trainer and was listed as limited with conditioning and back designations. Michael Pittman was downgraded to a non-participant with a foot injury. Troy Fautanu improved to limited.
BETTING IMPACT
Porter’s status is important for Pittsburgh’s coverage plan against New England. Pittman’s downgrade also introduces uncertainty into the Steelers’ receiving rotation.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Rookie running back Kaelon Black was added to the injury report as limited with a groin injury. Kicker Eddy Piñeiro and receiver De’Zhaun Stribling did not practice.
BETTING IMPACT
Black’s injury could affect San Francisco’s backfield rotation and Christian McCaffrey’s expected workload. Piñeiro’s illness also creates a potential special-teams issue if he cannot return Friday.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
WHAT WAS REPORTED
Sam Darnold has been ruled out against Arizona because of a glute injury. Drew Lock will start, with Jalen Milroe serving as the backup.
BETTING IMPACT
Seattle’s quarterback change is confirmed and should already be included in the market. Lock played efficiently after replacing Darnold in Week 1, but a full-game start creates additional uncertainty for Seattle’s passing efficiency and player props.
FRIDAY WATCH LIST
The five situations with the greatest potential to affect Week 2 betting lines, totals and player props are Nico Collins, Ladd McConkey, Zay Flowers, Tua Tagovailoa and Brock Bowers. Friday’s practice participation and official game designations will determine whether additional market adjustments are necessary.